Jharkhand Intensifies Anti-Maoist Initiatives, DGP Unveils New Tactics

Ranchi, Dec 8 (NationPress) In response to directives from the Union Home Ministry, the Jharkhand government has developed a thorough strategy to eradicate Maoists and other extremist factions in the region. On Sunday, Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Gupta held a high-level meeting with senior police officials at Chaibasa, the district headquarters of West Singhbhum, to detail the new plan.

During a media briefing post-meeting, DGP Gupta remarked that efforts to eliminate Maoists across the nation are showing positive results. 'We are gaining support from local villagers who are now actively collaborating with the police to combat left-wing extremism,' he stated.

DGP Gupta instructed police officers to pinpoint both Maoist operatives and their logistical supporters. A total of 65 Maoists and extremists have been identified within the state, and new rewards have been announced for information leading to their capture.

Out of Jharkhand’s 24 districts, only five continue to experience Maoist activity, he noted.

Praising the police force, the DGP mentioned: 'During the recent assembly and Lok Sabha elections, security forces effectively countered Maoist boycott threats, facilitating fearless voting throughout the state, including regions previously dominated by Maoist influence. Notably, no incidents of Maoist violence were reported during these elections — a first in almost three decades.'

The meeting underscored the necessity of bolstering intelligence networks to track the remaining Maoists, and directives were issued to dismantle their hideouts with comprehensive preparations.

DGP Gupta also mandated security audits of police posts and camps, property attachments, and the confiscation of absconding Maoists, along with close monitoring of those released on bail. An assessment of infrastructure, including communication systems, bridges, and roads in Maoist-affected areas, is also underway.

Furthermore, strict guidelines for professional police conduct and public grievance resolution were issued during the meeting.

He instructed district SPs to enforce strict disciplinary measures against any police personnel found misbehaving with the public.

'Police stations must record First Information Reports (FIRs) related to Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC), human trafficking, cybercrimes, and crimes against women without regard to jurisdictional boundaries,' he emphasized.

He added that officers at the ranks of DIG, SSP, and SP are required to implement mechanisms enabling victims to file complaints at higher levels if their FIRs are not registered at the local police stations.

'Senior officers (DIGs, SSPs, SPs) should conduct workshops for station in-charges, clerks, and other police staff to train them on upholding professionalism and treating the public with respect,' he stated.

The Jharkhand Police are also compiling dossiers on individuals accused of harassing women and college students. 'A review of past cases of eve-teasing is in progress, and those found to be repeat offenders will face consequences,' he concluded.